Marula Sprint to go `Pej’ shaped

Many of these horses run against one another week after week and one ends up with a different result.  This time, however, trainer Charles Laird has put a spanner in the works by including filly Pej in the line-up. That could throw the more battle-scarred opposition into disarray because the daughter of Kahal is unbeaten in four races over the distance.

There is little doubt Laird is delighted to have Anton Marcus back in the irons and despite the fact she has to give weight to some of the regulars, Pej should be able to account for this field. There is one question mark about her form – and that’s because she has not raced at Scottsville before.

Like The House Of The Rising Sun, the track has been the ruin of many a poor girl, but hopefully that will not be the case with Pej. An inside draw is vital at this track and she will jump from barrier No 5.

Island Fiesta loves this track and trip and has a record of two wins and seven places in 12 starts. He has started to return to form and should be in the money.

Sheik’s Brashee would be the pick if this race was over 1000m but the extra 200m is not in his favour. One runner who could upset them all if in a galloping mood is Royal Zulu Warrior.